It is thought that local politician factions in Libya secured Mr Bolam's release and that a ransom may have been paid.

Michael Aron, the British ambassador to Libya, tweeted: "Delighted Benghazi Head Teacher David Bolam has been released after over 4 months in captivity."

Shropshire MP Philip Dunne said he was "absolutely delighted that David Bolam has returned home to his family in Craven Arms".

Mr Dunne, a defence minister, added: "David is a dedicated English teacher who had returned to Benghazi to help rebuild the international school of which he was a director, after he had been evacuated during the Arab Spring.‎